US10314361B2 - Footwear having sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/483,828, filed on Jun. 12, 2009, which is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/061,427, filed on Jun. 13, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/138,048, filed on Dec. 16, 2008, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to footwear having a sensor system and, more particularly, to a shoe having a force sensor assembly operably connected to a communication port located in the shoe.

BACKGROUND

Shoes having sensor systems incorporated therein are known. Sensor systems collect performance data wherein the data can be accessed for later use such as for analysis purposes. In certain systems, the sensor systems are complex or data can only be accessed or used with certain operating systems. Thus, uses for the collected data can be unnecessarily limited. Accordingly, while certain shoes having sensor systems provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to footwear having a sensor system. Aspects of the invention relate to an article of footwear that includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor.

According to one aspect, the footwear further contains a communication port operably connected with the sensors. In one embodiment, the communication port is configured for transmitting data regarding forces detected by each sensor in a universally readable format. The port may also be configured for connection to an electronic module to allow communication between the sensors and the module.

According to another aspect, the footwear contains an electronic module in communication with the sensors, which is configured for collecting data from the sensors. The module may be connected with the sensors through the communication port, and may be positioned within a cavity in the footwear. In one embodiment, the module is further configured for transmitting the data to an external device for further processing.

According to another aspect, the footwear may contain a well located in the sole structure that is configured for removably receiving an electronic module. The well may have a communication port connected with the sensors and configured for communication with the module.

According to another aspect, the sensor system further includes a plurality of sensor leads connecting the sensors to the port and/or the electronic module. The leads may also include one or more power leads for supplying power from the port and/or the module to the sensors.

According to a further aspect, the sensors may be one or more various types of sensors. In one embodiment, the sensors are force-sensitive resistor sensors. In another embodiment, the sensors include two electrodes with a force-sensitive resistive material disposed between the electrodes. The electrodes and the force-sensitive material may be disposed on separate members of the sole structure.

According to yet another aspect, the sensor system includes a first sensor located in the first phalange area of the sole structure, a second sensor located in the first metatarsal head area of the sole structure, a third sensor located in the fifth metatarsal head area of the sole structure, and a fourth sensor located in the heel area of the sole structure.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to a foot contacting member or other sole member of the sole structure that has a sensor system as described above, including a plurality of sensors, connected thereto. The foot contacting member or other sole member may be configured for insertion into an article of footwear. In one embodiment, the sole member may include a plurality of electrodes and sensor leads configured to be connected to a force-sensitive material disposed on another sole member.

Further aspects of the invention relate to a system that includes an article of footwear with a sensor system as described above, with an electronic module connected to the sensor system, and an external device configured for communication with the electronic module. The module is configured to receive data from the sensors and to transmit the data to the external device, and the external device is configured for further processing the data.

According to one aspect, the system also includes an accessory device connected to the external device, configured to enable communication between the electronic module and the external device. The accessory device may also be configured for connection to a second external device to enable communication between the electronic module and the second external device.

According to another aspect, the data communicated to the external device can be used in one or more different applications. Such applications can include using the data as control input for a program executed by the external device, such as a game program, or for athletic performance monitoring, among other applications. Athletic performance monitoring can include monitoring one or more performance metrics such as speed, distance, lateral movement, acceleration, jump height, weight transfer, foot strike pattern, balance, foot pronation or supination, loft time measurement during running, lateral cutting force, contact time, center of pressure, weight distribution, and/or impact force, among others.

Still further aspects of the invention relate to methods utilizing an article of footwear containing a sensor system as described above. Such methods can include receiving data from the sensors at the electronic module and transmitting the data from the module to a remote external device for further processing, which may include use in one or more applications. Such methods can also include removing or disconnecting a first electronic module from the sensor system and connecting a second module in its place, where the second module is configured for a different operation. Such methods can further include processing the data for use in one or more applications and/or using the data as control input for an external device. Aspects of the invention may also include computer-readable media containing instructions for use in performing one or more features of these methods and/or utilizing the footwear and systems described above.

Other aspects of the invention relate to a system that includes at least two articles of footwear, each having a sensor system as described above, with an electronic module connected thereto, where each electronic module is configured for communicating data received from the sensors to an external device. The system may use several communication modes. In one embodiment, each module communicates separately with the external device. In another embodiment, the modules are additionally or alternately configured to communicate with each other. In a further embodiment, one electronic module is configured to transmit the data to the other electronic module, and the other electronic module is configured to transmit the data from both electronic modules to the external device.

Still other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe;

FIG. 2 is an opposed side view of the shoe ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a sole of a shoe incorporating one embodiment of a sensor system;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a shoe incorporating the sensor system ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of another shoe incorporating the sensor system ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a port located in a well in a sole of an article of footwear;

FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a port located in a well in a sole of an article of footwear;

FIG. 5C is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a port located in a well in a sole of an article of footwear;

FIG. 5D is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a port located in a well in a sole of an article of footwear;

FIG. 5E is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a port located in a well in a sole of an article of footwear;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electronic module capable of use with a sensor system, in communication with an external electronic device;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a sole of a shoe incorporating the sensor system ofFIG. 3, including an external output port;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a sole of a shoe incorporating another embodiment of a sensor system utilizing force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views illustrating force-sensitive resistive behavior of a force-sensitive resistive material;

FIGS. 11-14 are side cross-sectional exploded views of soles of a shoe incorporating embodiments of sensor systems utilizing force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a sole of a shoe incorporating another embodiment of a sensor system utilizing separate electrodes and a force-sensitive resistive element;

FIGS. 16-20 are side cross-sectional exploded views of soles of a shoe incorporating embodiments of sensor systems utilizing separate electrodes and a force-sensitive resistive element;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a shoe incorporating another embodiment of a sensor system in an upper of the shoe;

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional exploded view of a sole of a shoe showing interchanging of two electronic modules;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the electronic module ofFIG. 6, in communication with an external gaming device;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a pair of shoes, each containing a sensor system, in a mesh communication mode with an external device;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a pair of shoes, each containing a sensor system, in a “daisy chain” communication mode with an external device;

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a pair of shoes, each containing a sensor system, in an independent communication mode with an external device;

FIG. 27 is a top view of two sets of layers for use in constructing a sensor system; and

FIG. 28 is a top view of the assembly of an insert member containing a sensor system, using one set of layers as shown inFIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described.

Footwear, such as a shoe, is shown as an example inFIGS. 1-2 and generally designated with thereference numeral100. Thefootwear100 can take many different forms, including, for example, various types of athletic footwear. In one exemplary embodiment, theshoe100 generally includes aforce sensor system12 operably connected to auniversal communication port14. As described in greater detail below, thesensor system12 collects performance data relating to a wearer of theshoe100. Through connection to theuniversal communication port14, multiple different users can access the performance data for a variety of different uses as described in greater detail below.

An article offootwear100 is depicted inFIGS. 1-2 as including an upper120 and asole structure130. For purposes of reference in the following description,footwear100 may be divided into three general regions: aforefoot region111, amidfoot region112, and aheel region113, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Regions111-113 are not intended to demarcate precise areas offootwear100. Rather, regions111-113 are intended to represent general areas offootwear100 that provide a frame of reference during the following discussion. Although regions111-113 apply generally tofootwear100, references to regions111-113 also may apply specifically to upper120,sole structure130, or individual components included within and/or formed as part of either upper120 orsole structure130.

As further shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the upper120 is secured tosole structure130 and defines a void or chamber for receiving a foot. For purposes of reference, upper120 includes alateral side121, an oppositemedial side122, and a vamp orinstep area123.Lateral side121 is positioned to extend along a lateral side of the foot (i.e., the outside) and generally passes through each of regions111-113. Similarly,medial side122 is positioned to extend along an opposite medial side of the foot (i.e., the inside) and generally passes through each of regions111-113.Vamp area123 is positioned betweenlateral side121 andmedial side122 to correspond with an upper surface or instep area of the foot.Vamp area123, in this illustrated example, includes athroat124 having alace125 or other desired closure mechanism that is utilized in a conventional manner to modify the dimensions of upper120 relative the foot, thereby adjusting the fit offootwear100.Upper120 also includes anankle opening126 that provides the foot with access to the void within upper120. A variety of materials may be used for constructing upper120, including materials that are conventionally utilized in footwear uppers. Accordingly, upper120 may be formed from one or more portions of leather, synthetic leather, natural or synthetic textiles, polymer sheets, polymer foams, mesh textiles, felts, non-woven polymers, or rubber materials, for example. The upper120 may be formed from one or more of these materials wherein the materials or portions thereof are stitched or adhesively bonded together, e.g., in manners that are conventionally known and used in the art.

Upper120 may also include a heel element (not shown) and a toe element (not shown). The heel element, when present, may extend upward and along the interior surface of upper120 in theheel region113 to enhance the comfort offootwear100. The toe element, when present, may be located inforefoot region111 and on an exterior surface of upper120 to provide wear-resistance, protect the wearer's toes, and assist with positioning of the foot. In some embodiments, one or both of the heel element and the toe element may be absent, or the heel element may be positioned on an exterior surface of the upper120, for example. Although the configuration of upper120 discussed above is suitable forfootwear100, upper120 may exhibit the configuration of any desired conventional or non-conventional upper structure without departing from this invention.

Sole structure130 is secured to a lower surface of upper120 and may have a generally conventional shape. Thesole structure130 may have a multipiece structure, e.g., one that includes amidsole131, anoutsole132, and afoot contacting member133, which may be a sockliner, a strobel, an insole member, a bootie element, a sock, etc. (SeeFIGS. 4-5). In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4-5, thefoot contacting member133 is an insole member. The term “foot contacting member,” as used herein does not necessarily imply direct contact with the user's foot, as another element may interfere with direct contact. Rather, the foot contacting member forms a portion of the inner surface of the foot-receiving chamber of an article of footwear. For example, the user may be wearing a sock that interferes with direct contact. As another example, thesensor system12 may be incorporated into an article of footwear that is designed to slip over a shoe or other article of footwear, such as an external bootie element or shoe cover. In such an article, the upper portion of the sole structure may be considered a foot contacting member, even though it does not directly contact the foot of the user.

Midsole member131 may be an impact attenuating member. For example, themidsole member131 may be formed of polymer foam material, such as polyurethane, ethylvinylacetate, or other materials (such as phylon, phylite, etc.) that compress to attenuate ground or other contact surface reaction forces during walking, running, jumping, or other activities. In some example structures according to this invention, the polymer foam material may encapsulate or include various elements, such as a fluid-filled bladder or moderator, that enhance the comfort, motion-control, stability, and/or ground or other contact surface reaction force attenuation properties offootwear100. In still other example structures, themidsole131 may include additional elements that compress to attenuate ground or other contact surface reaction forces. For instance, the midsole may include column type elements to aid in cushioning and absorption of forces.

Outsole132 is secured to a lower surface ofmidsole131 in this illustratedexample footwear structure100 and is formed of a wear-resistant material, such as rubber or a flexible synthetic material, such as polyurethane, that contacts the ground or other surface during ambulatory or other activities. Thematerial forming outsole132 may be manufactured of suitable materials and/or textured to impart enhanced traction and slip resistance. The structure and methods of manufacturing theoutsole132 will be discussed further below. A foot contacting member133 (which may be an insole member, a sockliner, a bootie member, a strobel, a sock, etc.) is typically a thin, compressible member that may be located within the void in upper120 and adjacent to a lower surface of the foot (or between the upper120 and midsole131) to enhance the comfort offootwear100. In some arrangements, an insole or sockliner may be absent, and in other embodiments, thefootwear100 may have a foot contacting member positioned on top of an insole or sockliner.

Theoutsole132 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 includes a plurality of incisions orsipes136 in either or both sides of theoutsole132. Thesesipes136 may extend from the bottom of theoutsole132 to an upper portion thereof or to themidsole131. In one arrangement, thesipes136 may extend from a bottom surface of theoutsole132 to a point halfway between the bottom of theoutsole132 and the top of theoutsole132. In another arrangement, thesipes136 may extend from the bottom of theoutsole132 to a point greater than halfway to the top of theoutsole132. In yet another arrangement, thesipes136 may extend from the bottom of theoutsole132 to a point where theoutsole132 meets themidsole131. Thesipes136 may provide additional flexibility to theoutsole132, and thereby allow the outsole to more freely flex in the natural directions in which the wearer's foot flexes. In addition, thesipes136 may aid in providing traction for the wearer. It is understood that embodiments of the present invention may be used in connection with other types and configurations of shoes, as well as other types of footwear and sole structures.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate exemplary embodiments of thefootwear100 incorporating asensor system12 in accordance with the present invention. Thesensor system12 includes aforce sensor assembly13, having a plurality ofsensors16, and a communication oroutput port14 in communication with the sensor assembly13 (e.g., electrically connected via conductors). In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, thesystem12 has four sensors16: afirst sensor16A at the big toe (first phalange) area of the shoe, twosensors16B-C at the forefoot area of the shoe, including asecond sensor16B at the first metatarsal head region and athird sensor16C at the fifth metatarsal head region, and afourth sensor16D at the heel. These areas of the foot typically experience the greatest degree of pressure during movement. The embodiment described below and shown inFIGS. 27-28 utilizes a similar configuration ofsensors16. Eachsensor16 is configured for detecting a force exerted by a user's foot on thesensor16. The sensors communicate with theport14 through sensor leads18, which may be wire leads and/or another electrical conductor or suitable communication medium. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor leads18 may be an electrically conductive medium printed on theinsole member133, themidsole member131, or another member of thesole structure130, such as a layer between thefoot contacting member133 and themidsole member131.

Other embodiments of thesensor system12 may contain a different number or configuration ofsensors16, such as the embodiments described below and shown inFIGS. 8, 11-21, and 27-28 and generally include at least onesensor16. For example, in one embodiment, thesystem12 includes a much larger number of sensors, and in another embodiment, thesystem12 includes two sensors, one in the heel and one in the forefoot of theshoe100. In addition, thesensors16 may communicate with theport14 in a different manner, including any known type of wired or wireless communication, including Bluetooth and near-field communication. A pair of shoes may be provided withsensor systems12 in each shoe of the pair, and it is understood that the paired sensor systems may operate synergistically or may operate independently of each other, and that the sensor systems in each shoe may or may not communicate with each other. The communication of thesensor systems12 is described in greater detail below. It is understood that thesensor system12 may be provided with computer programs/algorithms to control collection and storage of data (e.g., pressure data from interaction of a user's foot with the ground or other contact surface), and that these programs/algorithms may be stored in and/or executed by thesensors16, themodule22, and/or theexternal device110.

Thesensor system12 can be positioned in several configurations in the sole130 of theshoe100. In the examples shown inFIGS. 4-5, theport14, thesensors16, and theleads18 can be positioned between themidsole131 and thefoot contacting member133, such as by connecting theport14, thesensors16, and/or theleads18 to the top surface of themidsole131 or the bottom surface of thefoot contacting member133. A cavity or well135 can be located in the midsole131 (FIG. 4) or in the foot contacting member133 (FIG. 5) for receiving an electronic module, as described below, and theport14 may be accessible from within thewell135. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the well135 is formed by an opening in the upper major surface of themidsole131, and in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the well135 is formed by an opening in the lower major surface of theinsole133. The well135 may be located elsewhere in thesole structure130 in other embodiments. For example, the well135 may be located partially within both thefoot contacting member133 and themidsole member131 in one embodiment, or the well135 may be located in the lower major surface of themidsole131 or the upper major surface of theinsole133. In a further embodiment, the well135 may be located in theoutsole132 and may be accessible from outside theshoe100, such as through an opening in the side, bottom, or heel of the sole130. In the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 4-5, theport14 is easily accessible for connection or disconnection of an electronic module, as described below. In other embodiments, thesensor system12 can be positioned differently. For example, in one embodiment, theport14, thesensors16, and/or theleads18 can be positioned within theoutsole132,midsole131, orinsole133. In one exemplary embodiment, theport14, thesensors16, and/or theleads18 may be positioned within afoot contacting member133 positioned above theinsole133, such as a sock, sockliner, interior footwear bootie, or other similar article. In a further embodiment, theport14, thesensors16, and/or theleads18 can be formed into an insert or a liner, designed to be quickly and easily insertable between thefoot contacting member133 and themidsole131, such as shown inFIGS. 12 and 19-20. Still other configurations are possible, and some examples of other configurations are described below. As discussed, it is understood that thesensor system12 may be included in each shoe in a pair.

In one embodiment, thesensors16 are force sensors for measuring compression of the sole130 and/or force on the sole130. For example, thesensors16 may be force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors or other sensors utilizing a force-sensitive resistive material (such as a quantum tunneling composite, a custom conductive foam, or a force-transducing rubber, described in more detail below), magnetic resistance sensors, piezoelectric or piezoresistive sensors, strain gauges, spring based sensors, fiber optic based sensors, polarized light sensors, mechanical actuator based sensors, displacement based sensors, and any other types of known sensors or switches capable of measuring compression of thefoot contacting member133,midsole131,outsole132, etc. A sensor may be an analog device or other device that measures force quantitatively, or it may simply be a binary-type ON/OFF switch (e.g., a silicone membrane type switch). It is understood that quantitative measurements of force by the sensors may include gathering and transmitting data that can be converted into quantitative force measurements by an electronic device, such as themodule22 or theexternal device110. Some sensors as described herein, such as piezo sensors, force-sensitive resistor sensors, quantum tunneling composite sensors, custom conductive foam sensors, etc., can measure differences or changes in resistance, capacitance, or electric potential and translate the measured differential to a force component. A spring-based sensor, as mentioned above, can be configured to measure deformation or change of resistance caused by pressure and/or deformation. A fiber optic based sensor, as described above, contains compressible tubes with a light source and a light measurement device connected thereto. In such a sensor, when the tubes are compressed, the wavelength of light within the tubes changes, and the measurement device can detect such changes and translate the changes into a force measurement. Nanocoatings could also be used, such as a midsole dipped into conductive material. Polarized light sensors could be used, wherein changes in light transmission properties are measured and correlated to the pressure or force exerted on the sole. One embodiment utilizes a multiple array (e.g.100) of binary on/off sensors, and force components can be detected by “puddling” of sensor signals in specific areas. Still other types of sensors not mentioned herein may be used. It is understood that the sensors can be relatively inexpensive and capable of being placed in shoes in a mass-production process. More complex sensor systems that may be more expensive could be incorporated in a training type shoe.

Additionally, thesensors16 may be placed or positioned in engagement with the shoe structure in many different manners. In one example, thesensors16 may be printed conductive ink sensors, electrodes, and/or leads deposited on a sole member, such as an airbag or other fluid-filled chamber, a foam material, or another material for use in theshoe100, or a sock, bootie, insert, liner, insole, midsole, etc. Thesensors16 and/or leads18 may be woven into garment or fabric structures (such as sockliners, booties, uppers, inserts, etc.), e.g., using conductive fabric or yarns when weaving or knitting the garment or fabric structures. Many embodiments of thesensor system12 can be made inexpensively, for example, by using a force-sensitive resistor sensor or a force-sensitive resistive material, as described below and shown inFIGS. 8 and 11-21. It is understood that thesensors16 and/or leads18 also may be deposited on or engaged with a portion of the shoe structure in any desired manner, such as by conventional deposition techniques, by conductive nano-coating, by conventional mechanical connectors, and any other applicable known method. The sensor system can also be configured to provide mechanical feedback to the wearer. Additionally, thesensor system12 may include a separate power lead to supply power to thesensors16. In the embodiments described below and shown inFIGS. 5A-5E andFIGS. 27-28, thesensor system12,1312 includes aseparate power lead18A,1318A that is used to connect thesensors16,1316 to theport14,14A-E to supply power from themodule22 to thesensors16,1316. As a further example, thesensor system12 can be made by incorporating printedconductive ink sensors16 or electrodes and conductive fabric or yarn leads18, or forming such sensors on the foam or airbag of a shoe.Sensors16 could be incorporated onto or into an airbag in a variety of manners. In one embodiment, thesensors16 could be made by printing a conductive, force-sensitive material on the airbag on one or more surfaces of the airbag to achieve a strain gauge-like effect. When the bag surfaces expand and/or contract during activity, the sensors can detect such changes through changes in resistance of the force-sensitive material to detect the forces on the airbag. In a bag having internal fabrics to maintain a consistent shape, conductive materials can be located on the top and bottom of the airbag, and changes in the capacitance between the conductive materials as the bag expands and compresses can be used to determine force. Further, devices that can convert changes in air pressure into an electrical signal can be used to determine force as the airbag is compressed.

Theport14 is configured for communication of data collected by thesensors16 to an outside source, in one or more known manners. In one embodiment, theport14 is a universal communication port, configured for communication of data in a universally readable format. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-5, theport14 includes aninterface20 for connection to anelectronic module22, shown in connection with theport14 inFIG. 3. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3-5, theinterface20 takes the form of electrical contacts. Additionally, in this embodiment, theport14 is associated with ahousing24 for insertion of theelectronic module22, located in the well135 in the middle arch or midfoot region of the article offootwear100. The positioning of theport14 inFIGS. 3-5 not only presents minimal contact, irritation, or other interference with the user's foot, but also provides easy accessibility by simply lifting theinsole133. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the sensor leads18 also form a consolidated interface at their terminal ends, in order to connect to theport14. In one embodiment, the consolidated interface may include individual connection of the sensor leads18 to theport interface20, such as through a plurality of electrical contacts. In another embodiment, the sensor leads18 could be consolidated to form anexternal interface19, such as a plug-type interface as described below, or in another manner, and in a further embodiment, the sensor leads18 may form a non-consolidated interface, with each lead18 having its own sub-interface. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the sensor leads18 can converge to a single location to form the consolidated interface. As also described below, themodule22 may have aninterface23 for connection to theport interface20 and/or the sensor leads18.

Theport14 is adapted for connection to a variety of differentelectronic modules22, which may be as simple as a memory component (e.g., a flash drive) or which may contain more complex features. It is understood that themodule22 could be as complex a component as a personal computer, mobile device, server, etc. Theport14 is configured for transmitting data gathered by thesensors16 to themodule22 for storage and/or processing. Examples of a housing and electronic modules in a footwear article are illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/416,458, published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0260421, which is incorporated by reference herein and made part hereof. Although theport14 is illustrated with electronic contacts forming aninterface20 for connection to a module, in other embodiments, theport14 may contain one or more additional or alternate communication interfaces. For example, theport14 may contain or comprise a USB port, a Firewire port, 16-pin port, or other type of physical contact-based connection, or may include a wireless or contactless communication interface, such as an interface for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near-field communication, RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, or other wireless communication technique, or an interface for infrared or other optical communication technique.

The sensor leads18 may be connected to theport14 in a variety of different configurations.FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate example embodiments of aport14A-E positioned within a well135 in an article offootwear100, such as within a sole member of thesole structure130 as described above. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 5A-5E, the well135 has a plurality of walls, includingside walls139 and abase wall143.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of theport14A where four sensor leads18 and apower lead18A are connected to theport14A through asingle side wall139 of thewell135. In the embodiment illustrated, the sensor leads18 form a consolidated interface in the form of a 5-pin connection, that is connected to aninterface20 of theport14A. In this configuration, theleads18,18A are connected to theport interface20 to form a consolidated interface, and each of theleads18,18A terminates in aconnection pin62 to form a multi-pin connection. Thisconnection pin62 can be considered an exposed end of thelead18,18A accessible within the well135, in one embodiment. Likewise, themodule22 has aconnection23 that includes fivepin connections60 for connection to the connection pins62 of theleads18,18A in theport interface20.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of theport14B where two sensor leads18 are connected to theport14B through one of theside walls139 of the well135 and two other sensor leads18 and apower lead18A are connected to theport14B through another one of theside walls139. In this embodiment, theleads18 form two separate consolidated lead interfaces19, in the form ofexternal interfaces19, and theport14B has twoseparate interfaces20 for connection to theleads18,18A. Theexternal interfaces19 may be plug-type interfaces, pin-type interfaces, or other interfaces, and the port interfaces20 are complementarily configured to connect to the external lead interfaces19. Further, in this configuration, themodule22 has twointerfaces23 that are configured for connection to the port interfaces20.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of theport14C where the sensor leads18 and thepower lead18A are connected to theport14C through theside walls139 and through thebase wall143 of thewell135. In this embodiment, the sensor leads18 form several separate lead interfaces19 for connection to theport14C. Theport14C includesinternal circuitry64 that consolidates the connections of all theleads18,18A to theport interface20, for connection to themodule interface23. Theport14C may further include complementary interfaces for connection to each of the lead interfaces19. It is understood that the leads18,18A may be connected through one or more of theside walls139 of the well135 in this embodiment, and that the leads18,18A are shown connected through two of theside walls139 for illustrative purposes. It is also understood that in this embodiment, more than onelead18,18A may be connected through aparticular side wall139 of the well135, and that only onelead18,18A may be connected through thebase wall143.

FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment of theport14D where four sensor leads18 and apower lead18A are connected to theport14D through thebase wall143 of thewell135. In the embodiment illustrated, theleads18,18A form a consolidated interface that is connected to aninterface20 at the bottom of theport14D, in a similar configuration to the connections described above and shown inFIG. 5A. Each of theleads18,18A terminates in aconnection pin62 at theport interface20, and themodule interface23 includes a plurality ofpin connections60 configured for connection to the connection pins62 of theleads18,18A.

FIG. 5E illustrates an embodiment of theport14E where four sensor leads18 and apower lead18A are connected to theport14E through each of fourside walls139 of thewell135. In this embodiment, theleads18,18A form severalseparate interfaces19 for connection to theport14E, similar to the embodiment described above and shown inFIG. 5C. As described above, theport14E may include complementary interfaces for connection to the lead interfaces19, and may also include an interface for connection to themodule22. In other embodiments, theleads18,18A can be connected through any number ofside walls139 of thewell135.

In embodiments such as those illustrated inFIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5E, where thesensors18 form more than oneinterface19, theport14B,14C,14E and/or themodule22 may havemultiple interfaces20,23, or may have only asingle interface20,23, and theport14 may haveinternal circuitry64 to connect all of theleads18,18A to theinterfaces20,23. Additionally, themodule22 may have one ormore interfaces23 that are complementary to the interface(s)20 of theport14, for connection thereto. For example, if theport14 has interface(s)20 in theside walls139 and/orbase wall143 thereof, themodule22 may have complementary interface(s)23 in the side walls and/or base wall as well. It is understood that themodule22 and theport14 may not have identicallycomplementary interfaces20,23, and that only one pair ofcomplementary interfaces20,23 may be able to achieve communication between the components. In other embodiments, theport14 and the well135 may have a different configuration for connection of theleads18,18A. Additionally, theport14 may have a different shape, which may enable a greater variety of connection configurations. Further, any of the connection configurations described herein, or combinations thereof, can be utilized with the various embodiments of sensor systems described herein.

Themodule22 may additionally have one or multiple communication interfaces for connecting to anexternal device110 to transmit the data for processing, as described below and shown inFIG. 6. Such interfaces can include any of the contacted or contactless interfaces described above. In one example, themodule22 includes at least a retractable USB connection for connection to a computer. In another example, themodule22 may be configured for contacted or contactless connection to a mobile device, such as a watch, cell phone, portable music player, etc. Themodule22 may be configured to be removed from thefootwear100 to be directly connected to theexternal device110 for data transfer, such as by the retractable USB connection described above. However, in another embodiment, themodule22 may be configured for wireless communication with theexternal device110, which allows thedevice22 to remain in thefootwear100. In a wireless embodiment, themodule22 may be connected to an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be shaped, sized, and positioned for use with the appropriate transmission frequency for the selected wireless communication method. Additionally, the antenna may be located internally within themodule22 or external to the module. In one example, thesensor system12 itself (such as theleads18 and conductive portions of the sensors16) could be used to form an antenna. In one embodiment, themodule22 may be permanently mounted within thefootwear100, or alternately may be removable at the option of the user and capable of remaining in thefootwear100 if desired. Additionally, as further explained below, themodule22 may be removed and replaced with anothermodule22 programmed and/or configured for gathering and/or utilizing data from thesensors16 in another manner. If themodule22 is permanently mounted within thefootwear100, thesensor system12 may further contain anexternal port15 to allow for data transfer and/or battery charging, such as a USB or Firewire port, as shown inFIG. 7. It is understood that themodule22 may be configured for both contacted and contactless communication.

While theport14 may be located in a variety of positions without departing from the invention, in one embodiment, theport14 is provided at a position and orientation and/or is otherwise structured so as to avoid or minimize contact with and/or irritation of the wearer's foot, e.g., as the wearer steps down in and/or otherwise uses the article offootwear100, such as during an athletic activity. The positioning of theport14 inFIGS. 3-5 illustrates one such example. In another embodiment, theport14 is located proximate the heel or instep regions of theshoe100. Other features of thefootwear structure100 may help reduce or avoid contact between the wearer's foot and the port14 (or an element connected to the port14) and improve the overall comfort of thefootwear structure100. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 4-5, theinsole133, or other foot contacting member, may fit over and at least partially cover theport14, thereby providing a layer of padding between the wearer's foot and theport14. Additional features for reducing contact between and modulating any undesired feel of theport14 at the wearer's foot may be used. Of course, if desired, the opening to theport14 may be provided through the top surface of theinsole member133 without departing from the invention. Such a construction may be used, for example, when thehousing24,electronic module22, and other features of theport14 include structures and/or are made from materials so as to modulate the feel at the user's foot, when additional comfort and feel modulating elements are provided, etc. Any of the various features described above that help reduce or avoid contact between the wearer's foot and a housing (or an element received in the housing) and improve the overall comfort of the footwear structure may be provided without departing from this invention, including the various features described above in conjunction withFIGS. 4-5, as well as other known methods and techniques.

In one embodiment, where theport14 is configured for contacted communication with amodule22 contained in a well135 in thesole structure130, theport14 is positioned within or immediately adjacent the well135, for connection to themodule22. It is understood that if the well135 further contains ahousing24 for themodule22, thehousing22 may be configured for connection to theport14, such as by providing physical space for theport14 or by providing hardware for interconnection between theport14 and themodule22. The positioning of theport14 inFIG. 3 illustrates one such example, where thehousing24 provides physical space to receive theport14 for connection to themodule22.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an exampleelectronic module22 including data transmission/reception capabilities through a data transmission/reception system106, which may be used in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. While the example structures ofFIG. 6 illustrate the data transmission/reception system (TX-RX)106 as integrated into theelectronic module structure22, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a separate component may be included as part of afootwear structure100 or other structure for data transmission/reception purposes and/or that the data transmission/reception system106 need not be entirely contained in a single housing or a single package in all examples of the invention. Rather, if desired, various components or elements of the data transmission/reception system106 may be separate from one another, in different housings, on different boards, and/or separately engaged with the article offootwear100 or other device in a variety of different manners without departing from this invention. Various examples of different potential mounting structures are described in more detail below.

In the example ofFIG. 6, theelectronic component22 may includes a data transmission/reception element106 for transmitting data to and/or receiving data from one or more remote systems. In one embodiment, the transmission/reception element106 is configured for communication through theport14, such as by the contacted or contactless interfaces described above. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, themodule22 includes aninterface23 configured for connection to theport14 and/orsensors16. In themodule22 illustrated inFIG. 3, theinterface23 has contacts that are complementary with the contacts of theinterface20 of theport14, to connect with theport14. In other embodiments, as described above, theport14 and themodule22 may contain different types ofinterfaces20,23, which may be wired or wireless. It is understood that in some embodiments, themodule22 may interface with theport14 and/orsensors16 through the TX-RX element106. Accordingly, in one embodiment, themodule22 may be external to thefootwear100, and theport14 may comprise a wireless transmitter interface for communication with themodule22. Theelectronic component22 of this example further includes a processing system202 (e.g., one or more microprocessors), amemory system204, and a power supply206 (e.g., a battery or other power source).

Connection to the one or more sensors can be accomplished through TX-RX element106, but additional sensors (not shown) may be provided to sense or provide data or information relating to a wide variety of different types of parameters, such as physical or physiological data associated with use of the article offootwear100 or the user, including pedometer type speed and/or distance information, other speed and/or distance data sensor information, temperature, altitude, barometric pressure, humidity, GPS data, accelerometer output or data, heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, EKG data, EEG data, data regarding angular orientation and changes in angular orientation (such as a gyroscope-based sensor), etc., and this data may be stored inmemory204 and/or made available, for example, for transmission by the transmission/reception system106 to some remote location or system. The additional sensor(s), if present, may also include an accelerometer (e.g., for sensing direction changes during steps, such as for pedometer type speed and/or distance information, for sensing jump height, etc.).

As additional examples, electronic modules, systems, and methods of the various types described above may be used for providing automatic impact attenuation control for articles of footwear. Such systems and methods may operate, for example, like those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0177531, which describe systems and methods for actively and/or dynamically controlling the impact attenuation characteristics of articles of footwear (U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. patent application Publication No. 2004/0177531 each are entirely incorporated herein by reference and made part hereof). When used for providing speed and/or distance type information, sensing units, algorithms, and/or systems of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,724,265, 5,955,667, 6,018,705, 6,052,654, 6,876,947 and 6,882,955 may be used. These patents each are entirely incorporated herein by reference.

As further shown inFIG. 6, anelectronic module22 can include an activation system (not shown). The activation system or portions thereof may be engaged with themodule22 or with the article of footwear100 (or other device) together with or separate from other portions of theelectronic module22. The activation system may be used for selectively activating theelectronic module22 and/or at least some functions of the electronic module22 (e.g., data transmission/reception functions, etc.). A wide variety of different activation systems may be used without departing from this invention, and a variety of such systems will be described in more detail below with respect to various included figures. In one example, thesensor system12 may be activated and/or deactivated by activating thesensors16 in a specific pattern, such as consecutive or alternating toe/heel taps. In another example, thesensor system12 may be activated by a button or switch, which may be located on themodule22, on theshoe100, or on an external device in communication with thesensor system12, as well as other locations. In any of these embodiments, thesensor system12 may contain a “sleep” mode, which can deactivate thesystem12 after a set period of inactivity. In an alternate embodiment, thesensor system12 may operate as a low-power device that does not activate or deactivate.

Themodule22 may further be configured for communication with anexternal device110, which may be an external computer or computer system, mobile device, gaming system, or other type of electronic device, as shown inFIG. 6. The exemplaryexternal device110 shown inFIG. 6 includes aprocessor302, amemory304, apower supply306, adisplay308, auser input310, and a data transmission/reception system108. The transmission/reception system108 is configured for communication with themodule22 via the transmission/reception system106 of themodule22, through any type of known electronic communication, including the contacted and contactless communication methods described above and elsewhere herein. It is understood that themodule22 can be configured for communication with a plurality of external devices, including a wide variety of different types and configurations of electronic devices. Additionally, the transmission/reception system106 of themodule22 may be configured for a plurality of different types of electronic communication. It is further understood that theshoe100 may include a separate power source to operate thesensors16 if necessary, such as a battery, piezoelectric, solar power supplies, or others. Thesensors16 may also simply receive power through connection to themodule22.

As described above, many different types of sensors can be incorporated into sensor systems according to the present invention.FIG. 8 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of ashoe100 that contains asensor system212 that includes asensor assembly213 incorporating a plurality of force-sensitive resistor (FSR)sensors216. Thesensor system212 is similar to thesensor system12 described above, and also includes aport14 in communication with anelectronic module22 and a plurality ofleads218 connecting theFSR sensors216 to theport14. Themodule22 is contained within a well orcavity135 in thesole structure130 of theshoe100, and theport14 is connected to the well135 to enable connection to themodule22 within thewell135. Theport14 and themodule22 include complementary interfaces220,223 for connection and communication.

The force-sensitive resistor shown inFIG. 8 contains first and second electrodes orelectrical contacts240,242 and a force-sensitiveresistive material244 disposed between theelectrodes240,242 to electrically connect theelectrodes240,242 together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material244, the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material244 changes, which changes the electrical potential between theelectrodes240,242. The change in resistance can be detected by thesensor system212 to detect the force applied on thesensor216. The force-sensitiveresistive material244 may change its resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material244 may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed, similar to the quantum tunneling composites described in greater detail below. Further compression of this material may further decrease the resistance, allowing quantitative measurements, as well as binary (on/off) measurements. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “volume-based resistance,” and materials exhibiting this behavior may be referred to as “smart materials.” As another example, thematerial244 may change the resistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact. This can be achieved in several ways, such as by using microprojections on the surface that raise the surface resistance in an uncompressed condition, where the surface resistance decreases when the microprojections are compressed, or by using a flexible electrode that can be deformed to create increased surface-to-surface contact with another electrode. This surface resistance may be the resistance between the material244 and theelectrode240,242 and/or the surface resistance between a conducting layer (e.g. carbon/graphite) and a force-sensitive layer (e.g. a semiconductor) of amulti-layer material244. The greater the compression, the greater the surface-to-surface contact, resulting in lower resistance and enabling quantitative measurement. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-based resistance.” It is understood that the force-sensitiveresistive material244, as defined herein, may be or include a doped or non-doped semiconducting material.

Theelectrodes240,242 of theFSR sensor216 can be formed of any conductive material, including metals, carbon/graphite fibers or composites, other conductive composites, conductive polymers or polymers containing a conductive material, conductive ceramics, doped semiconductors, or any other conductive material. The leads218 can be connected to theelectrodes240,242 by any suitable method, including welding, soldering, brazing, adhesively joining, fasteners, or any other integral or non-integral joining method. Alternately, theelectrode240,242 and associatedlead218 may be formed of a single piece of the same material.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate generally the use of a force-sensitive resistive material M in asensor16, such as theFSR sensors216 shown inFIG. 8. The electrodes (+) and (−) have an electrical potential P1 between them, as shown inFIG. 9. When the force-sensitive resistive material M is compressed, the resistance of the material M changes, and thus, the potential P2 between the electrodes (+) and (−) changes, as shown inFIG. 10. The material M may utilize volume-based resistance, contact-based resistance, or other types of force-sensitive resistive behavior. For example, the force-sensitiveresistive material244 of thesensors216 inFIG. 8 may behave in this manner. As another example, the quantum tunneling composite, custom conductive foam, force transducing rubber, and other force-sensitive resistive materials described below and shown inFIGS. 16-20 exhibit force-sensitive resistive behavior. It is understood that the electrodes (+) and (−) may be positioned in a different arrangement, such as in a sandwich arrangement with the material M positioned between the electrodes (+) and (−).

In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 8, theelectrodes240,242 of theFSR sensor216 have a plurality of interlocking or intermeshing fingers246, with the force-sensitiveresistive material244 positioned between the fingers246 to electrically connect theelectrodes240,242 to each other. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, each of theleads218 independently supplies power from themodule22 to thesensor216 to which eachrespective lead218 is connected. It is understood that the sensor leads218 may include separate leads extending from eachelectrode240,242 to theport14, and that themodule22 may provide electrical power to theelectrodes240,242 through such separate leads, such as through aseparate power lead18A,1318A as described elsewhere herein.

Force-sensitive resistors suitable for use in thesensor system212 are commercially available from sources such as Sensitronics LLC. Embodiments of force-sensitive resistors which may be suitable for use are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,314,227 and 6,531,951, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and made parts hereof.

FIGS. 27-28 illustrate another embodiment of anFSR sensor system1312 for incorporation into an article offootwear100. Thesensor system1312 includes foursensors1316, with afirst sensor1316 positioned in the first phalange (big toe) area, asecond sensor1316 positioned in the first metatarsal head area, athird sensor1316 positioned in the fifth metatarsal head area, and afourth sensor1316 positioned in the heel area, similarly to the configuration shown inFIG. 3. Thesensors1316 each have asensor lead1318 connecting thesensor1316 to theport14. Additionally, apower lead1318A extends from theport14 and is connected to all foursensors1316 in series configuration to supply power to all foursensors1316. Other configurations, including parallel configurations, are possible as well. As shown inFIG. 28, each of theleads1318,1318A are connected to theport14 for connection and transfer of data to a module (not shown) connected to theport14. It is understood that theport14 may have any configuration described herein. In this embodiment, theleads1318,1318A are positioned suitably for a 5-pin connection as shown inFIG. 5A, with a plurality of connection pins62.

Similarly to thesystem212 described above with respect toFIG. 8, eachsensor1316 of thesensor system1312 contains first and second electrodes orelectrical contacts1340,1342 and a force-sensitiveresistive material1344 disposed between theelectrodes1340,1342 to electrically connect theelectrodes1340,1342 together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material1344, the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material1344 changes, which changes the electrical potential between theelectrodes1340,1342. The change in resistance can be detected by thesensor system1312 to detect the force applied on thesensor1316. Additionally, theFSR sensors1316 each have a plurality of interlocking or intermeshing fingers1346, with the force-sensitiveresistive material1344 positioned between the fingers1346 to electrically connect theelectrodes1340,1342 to each other.

In the embodiment of thesensor system1312 shown inFIGS. 27-28, eachsensor1316 includes twocontacts1340,1342 constructed of a conductive metallic layer and a carbon layer (such as carbon black) forming a contact surface on the metallic layer. Thesensors1316 also include a force-sensitiveresistive material1344 that also is constructed of a layer or puddle of carbon (such as carbon black), which is in contact with the carbon contact surface of theelectrodes1340,1342. The carbon-on-carbon contact can produce greater conductivity changes under pressure, increasing the effectiveness of thesensors1316. The leads1318,1318A in this embodiment are constructed of a conductive metallic material that may be the same as the material of the metallic layer of thecontacts1340,1342. In one embodiment, theleads1318,1318A and the metallic layers of thecontacts1340,1342 are constructed of silver.

As shown inFIGS. 27-28, in this example embodiment, thesensor system1312 is constructed of twoflexible layers1366 and1368 that combine to form aninsert member1337 for insertion into an article of footwear, such as between thefoot contacting member133 and themidsole member131 as discussed below. The layers can be formed of any flexible material, such as a flexible polymer material. In one embodiment, thelayers1366,1368 are formed of a 0.05-0.2 mm thick pliable thin Mylar material. Theinsert1337 is constructed by first depositing the conductive metallic material on thefirst layer1366, such as by printing, in the traced pattern of theleads1318,1318A and theelectrodes1340,1342 of thesensors1316, to form the configuration shown inFIG. 27. Then, the additional carbon contact layer is deposited on thefirst layer1366, tracing over theelectrodes1340,1342 of thesensors1316, and the carbon force-sensitiveresistive material1344 is deposited as puddles on thesecond layer1368, as also shown inFIG. 27. After all the materials have been deposited, thelayers1366,1368 are positioned in a superimposed manner, as shown inFIG. 28, so that theelectrodes1340,1342 are aligned with the puddles of force-sensitiveresistive material1344, to form theinsert member1337 for insertion into the article offootwear100. In one embodiment, thesensor system1312 constructed in this manner can detect pressures in the range of 10-750 kPa with high sensitivity.

Thesensor systems212,1312 shown inFIGS. 8 and 27-28 can be implemented within ashoe100 between a foot-contactingmember133 and amidsole member131 as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. In one embodiment, theFSR sensor system212,1312 is inserted above the midsole member131 (and above the strobel, if present) during manufacturing of theshoe100 after connection of the upper120 to themidsole131 andoutsole132, and then the foot-contactingmember133 can be inserted over thesensor system212,1312. Additionally, in one embodiment, thesensor system212,1312 can be inserted as part of an insert member, such as theinsert members437 and1337 shown inFIGS. 12 and 27-28.FIGS. 11-14 illustrate additional examples of implementing FSR sensors into an article of footwear, such as ashoe100. The embodiments shown inFIGS. 11-14 illustrate themidsole member131 having a well135 therein for receiving anelectronic module22, and aport14 for connection to themodule22, as described above and shown inFIG. 4. However, it is understood that the well135 and/or theport14 may be positioned elsewhere, such as wholly or partially within thefoot contacting member133, as shown inFIG. 5, or elsewhere in theshoe100.

As one example,FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of asole structure130 for an article of footwear containing an FSR sensor system312, with amidsole member131 having anFSR sensor assembly313 connected thereto. In this embodiment, theFSR sensors316 are partially imbedded within themidsole member131 and the sensor leads318 are connected to the top surface of themidsole member131. It is understood that themidsole member131 may have a layer covering thesensors316 to hold them within themidsole member131, and that thesensors318 may be wholly or partially imbedded within themidsole member131, or themidsole member131 may have “pockets” for insertion of thesensors316. Themidsole member131 also has theport14 connected thereto. Theport14 is connected to the sensor leads318 and is positioned within the well135 for connection with anelectronic module22 received within thewell135. The sensor leads318 form aninterface319 proximate theport14 for connection to theport14.

As another example,FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of asole structure130 for an article of footwear containing anFSR sensor system412, with an additionalsole member437 containing anFSR sensor assembly413. In this embodiment, the additionalsole member437 is an insert or liner configured to be inserted between thefoot contacting member133 and themidsole member131. Theinsert437 hasFSR sensors416 and sensor leads418 connected thereto. Theinsert437 may have a configuration similar to the configuration of theinsert1337 described above and shown inFIGS. 27-28, or may have another configuration. Additionally, in this embodiment, theinsert437 is a thin layer of a flexible polymer webbing material having theFSR sensors416 and the sensor leads418 mounted thereon to hold the sensors in position. It is understood that thesensors416 and/or theleads418 may be wholly or partially embedded within the polymer material of theinsert437. In another embodiment, theinsert437 may consist entirely of thesensor assembly413, without any binding or webbing material. Theinsert437 is also configured for connection of the sensor leads418 to theport14 and is positioned such that when theinsert437 is positioned between the foot contacting133 and themidsole131, the interface(s)419 of the sensor leads418 will be within or adjacent to the well135 for connection through theport14 with anelectronic module22 received within thewell135. Additionally, thesole structure130 can be provided with one or moreother inserts437 havingsensors416 in different configurations. Theseother inserts437 can be removed and interchanged by lifting thefoot contacting member133 and replacing one insert with another, differently-configuredinsert437. This allows a single article of footwear to be used withdifferent sensor416 configurations as desired, for different applications. For example, as described below, thesensor system412 may be configured for communication with anexternal device110, and different configurations ofsensors416 can be used for different games or other programs running on theexternal device110. Further, theinsert437 may be sized so that it can be used in many different articles of footwear of different sizes, providing versatility.

In an alternate embodiment, shown inFIG. 13, an insert, liner, or other additionalsole member437A can be configured with asensor assembly412A for placement on top of aninsole member133. Thisinsert437A can be configured similarly to theinsert437 described above, such as having a flexible polymer webbing material that hassensors416A and sensor leads418A connected thereto. Thesensor assembly412A may contain extended and/or consolidated wire leads418A that extend around or through theinsole133, terminating in aninterface419A configured to be connected to theport14 positioned in the well135 for connection to anelectronic module22. It is understood that thisinsert437A may in some circumstances be considered a “foot contacting member,” as theinsert437A forms a top part of thesole structure130. Similarly to theinsert437 described above, theinsert437A can be removed and interchanged withother inserts437A havingdifferent sensor416A configurations, and may be sized for placement in footwear having various different sizes.

In another alternate embodiment, an insert member can be produced for connection to another sole member, such as afoot contacting member133 or amidsole member131. This insert member may be similar to theinserts437 and437A described above and shown inFIGS. 12-13, such as having a flexible webbing material (such as a polymer) that hassensors416,416A and sensor leads418,418A connected thereto. This configuration enables thesensor assembly413,413A to be mounted upon any member of thesole structure130 as desired, to create a complete sensor system. The insert member may be connectable to a sole member in many different ways, such as by adhesives, fasteners, welding, heat-sealing, or any other suitable technique. It is understood that theinsert member437,437A, in one embodiment, may have no webbing material and may include only the electronic components of thesensor assembly413,413A.

As a further example,FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of asole structure130 for an article of footwear containing anFSR sensor system512, with afoot contacting member133 having anFSR sensor assembly513 connected thereto. Thefoot contacting member133 illustrated inFIG. 14 is an insole member, however as described above, thefoot contacting member133 may alternately be a bootie element, a strobel, a sockliner, a sock, or other type of foot contacting member for use in an article of footwear. In this embodiment, theFSR sensors516 are partially imbedded within thefoot contacting member133 and the sensor leads518 are connected to the bottom surface of thefoot contacting member133. It is understood that theinsole member133 may have a layer covering thesensors516 to hold them within thefoot contacting member133, and that thesensors518 may be wholly or partially imbedded within thefoot contacting member133, or that thefoot contacting member133 may have pockets for receiving thesensors516. The terminal ends of the sensor leads518 are configured for connection to theport14 and are positioned such that when thefoot contacting member133 is positioned on top of themidsole member131, theinterface519 of theleads518 will be within or adjacent to the well135 for connection through theport14 with anelectronic module22 received within thewell135. Additionally, thesole structure130 can be provided with multiplefoot contacting members133 havingsensor assemblies513 in different configurations. These otherfoot contacting members133 can be removed and interchanged by removing thefoot contacting member133 and replacing it with anotherfoot contacting member133 havingsensors516 in a different configuration. This allows a single article of footwear to be used withdifferent sensor516 configurations as desired, for different applications, including programs running on theexternal device110, as described above.

FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of ashoe100 that contains asensor system612 that includes asensor assembly613 incorporating a plurality ofsensors616. Thesensors616 utilizepairs641 ofelectrodes640,642 and a separate force-sensitiveresistive element650, containing a force-sensitiveresistive material644 in contact with theelectrodes640,642. In this embodiment, eachelectrode pair641 and the force-sensitive material644 combine to form asensor616 and operate similarly to the electrodes (+) and (−) and the material M described above and shown inFIGS. 9-10. Thesensor system612 can be arranged similarly to thesensor systems12,212 described above, and also includes aport14 in communication with anelectronic module22 and a plurality ofleads618 connecting theelectrodes640,642 to theport14. Themodule22 is contained within a well orcavity135 in thesole structure130 of theshoe100, and theport14 is connected within the well135 to enable connection to themodule22 within thewell135.

The force-sensitiveresistive element650 inFIG. 15 can be any element that is positioned in contact with theelectrodes640,642. The force-sensitive element650 may be entirely composed of a force-sensitiveresistive material644, or may be only partially composed of the force-sensitive material644, such as by including a layer of force-sensitive material644 or strategically-placed areas containing the force-sensitive material644. Additionally, the force-sensitive element650 may be one continuous piece or may include several separate pieces. In one embodiment, such as the embodiments described below and shown inFIGS. 16-20, the force-sensitive element650 may be contained in a member of thesole structure130, or may entirely form a member of thesole structure130.

One material that is suitable for use as the force-sensitiveresistive material244 is a quantum tunneling composite (“QTC”), which provides volume-based resistance behavior. A quantum tunneling composite generally includes a polymer matrix material that contains metallic particles or other conductive particles. Upon compression, the conductive particles move closer together, allowing electrons to tunnel quantum mechanically through the insulative polymer matrix. As the compression increases, the conductive particles move still closer together, allowing more electrical flow and decreasing the measured resistance. The particles in a quantum tunneling composite may have irregular surfaces, which can enable a greater relative range of movement of the particles without the particles contacting each other. This behavior allows for quantitative or binary (on/off) detection of force on the force-sensitive material. Suitable quantum tunneling composite materials can be obtained from Peratech Limited, among other sources.

Another material that is suitable for use as the force-sensitiveresistive material244 is a custom conductive foam, which also provides force-sensitive resistive behavior. A custom conductive foam generally includes a foam made from a conductive material or containing a conductive material additive, such as carbon black or other forms of carbon, or a conductive polymer. The custom conductive foam allows greater conduction of electrons as the foam is compressed, thus decreasing measured resistance. A further material that is suitable for use as the force-sensitiveresistive material244 is a force-transducing rubber. The force-sensitive material644 may be any other material exhibiting force-sensitive resistive behavior, including any materials described above having volume-based or contact-based resistance.

Theelectrodes640,642 can be made from any of the materials described above with respect toelectrodes240,242. In one embodiment, theelectrodes640,642 and/or theleads618 can be printed onto a surface, such as afoot contacting member133, amidsole member131, or another sole member, using a conductive ink. In another embodiment, conductive tape can be used for this purpose, as well as other structures and techniques described above.

Thesensor system612 shown inFIG. 15 can be implemented within ashoe100 between a foot-contactingmember133 and amidsole member131 as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, such as by connecting the force-sensitiveresistive element650 to either the foot-contactingmember133 or themidsole member131.FIGS. 11-20 illustrate additional examples of implementing sensors using a separate force-sensitive resistive element into an article of footwear, such as ashoe100. The embodiments shown inFIGS. 11-20 illustrate themidsole member131 having a well135 therein for receiving anelectronic module22 and aport14 for connection to themodule22, as described above and shown inFIG. 4. However, it is understood that the well135 and/or theport14 may be positioned elsewhere, such as wholly or partially within thefoot contacting member133, as shown inFIG. 5, or elsewhere in theshoe100.

As one example,FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of asole structure130 for an article of footwear containing asensor system712, with afoot contacting member133 having anelectrode assembly713 connected thereto. In this embodiment, theelectrode assembly713 includes electrode pairs741 and sensor leads718 that are connected to the bottom surface of thefoot contacting member133. In one embodiment, the electrode pairs741 and the sensor leads718 can be printed on the bottom of thefoot contacting member133, and in another embodiment, the electrode pairs741 and leads718 can be contained within a layer on the bottom of thefoot contacting member133. It is understood that the electrode pairs741 and/or theleads718 may be wholly or partially imbedded within thefoot contacting member133. Themidsole member131 contains a force-sensitiveresistive element750 in the form of alayer751 of a force-sensitiveresistive material744 on the top surface thereof. It is understood that thislayer751 may not be continuous in some embodiments. The sensor leads718 have aninterface719 positioned within or adjacent to the well135 for connection through theport14 with anelectronic module22 received within thewell135. Additionally, thesole structure130 can be provided with multiplefoot contacting members133 havingelectrode assemblies713 in different configurations. These otherfoot contacting members133 can be removed and interchanged by removing thefoot contacting member133 and replacing it with anotherfoot contacting member133 having electrode pairs741 in a different configuration. This allows a single article of footwear to be used with different sensor configurations as desired, for different applications, including programs running on theexternal device110, as described above. It is also understood that this configuration can be reversed, with thefoot contacting member133 having the force-sensitiveresistive element750 connected thereto, and the electrode pairs741 may be connected to themidsole member131.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 17, thesole structure130 contains asensor system812, with afoot contacting member133 having anelectrode assembly813 connected thereto in the same configuration as theelectrode assembly713 described above and shown inFIG. 16. As similarly described above, theelectrode assembly813 includes electrode pairs841 and sensor leads818 that are connected to the bottom surface of thefoot contacting member133, with theleads818 terminating in aninterface819 for connection to theport14. However, in the embodiment ofFIG. 17, themidsole member131 itself functions as the force-sensitiveresistive element850, and is composed entirely of the force-sensitiveresistive material844. This embodiment otherwise functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown inFIG. 16, and provides the same interchangeability. It is also understood that this configuration can be reversed, with thefoot contacting member133 functioning as the force-sensitiveresistive element850, composed of the force-sensitiveresistive material844, and the electrode pairs841 may be connected to themidsole member131.

As another example,FIG. 18 illustrates a portion of asole structure130 for an article of footwear containing asensor system912, with afoot contacting member133, amidsole member131, and an additionalsole member937 having anelectrode assembly713 connected thereto, positioned between themidsole member131 and thefoot contacting member133. Theelectrode assembly913 includes electrode pairs941 and sensor leads918 that are connected to the additionalsole member937. In this embodiment, the additionalsole member133 is aninsert937 made from a thin layer of a flexible polymer webbing material having the electrode pairs941 and the sensor leads918 mounted thereon to hold the electrode pairs941 in position. It is understood that the electrode pairs941 and/or theleads918 may be wholly or partially embedded within the polymer material of theinsert937. In another embodiment, theinsert937 may consist entirely of theelectrode assembly913, without any binding or webbing material. Themidsole member131 contains a force-sensitiveresistive element950 in the form of alayer951 of a force-sensitiveresistive material944 on the top surface thereof, similarly to the force-sensitive element750 ofFIG. 16. It is understood that thislayer951 may not be continuous in some embodiments. Theinsert937 also is also configured for connection of the sensor leads918 to theport14 and is positioned such that when theinsert937 is positioned between the foot contacting133 and themidsole131, theinterface919 of the sensor leads918 will be within or adjacent to the well135 for connection through theport14 with anelectronic module22 received within thewell135. Additionally, thesole structure130 can be provided withmultiple inserts937 havingelectrode assemblies913 in different configurations. Theseother inserts937 can be removed and interchanged by lifting thefoot contacting member133 and replacing theinsert937 with anotherinsert937 having electrode pairs941 in a different configuration. This allows a single article of footwear to be used with different sensor configurations as desired, for different applications, including programs running on theexternal device110, as described above.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 19, thesole structure130 contains asensor system1012, with aninsert1037 having anelectrode assembly1013 connected thereto in the same configuration as theelectrode assembly913 described above and shown inFIG. 18. As similarly described above, theelectrode assembly1013 includes electrode pairs1041 and sensor leads1018 that are connected to theinsert1037 positioned between themidsole member131 and thefoot contacting member133, with theleads1018 terminating in aninterface1019 for connection to theport14. However, in the embodiment ofFIG. 19, themidsole member131 itself functions as the force-sensitiveresistive element1050, and is composed entirely of the force-sensitiveresistive material1044. This embodiment otherwise functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown inFIG. 18, and provides the same interchangeability. It is understood that, in an alternate embodiment, thefoot contacting member133 may be constructed of the force-sensitiveresistive material1044, functioning as the force-sensitiveresistive element1050. In this configuration, theinsert1037 and/or theelectrode assembly1013 may need to be reconfigured or repositioned to contact the force-sensitive material1044 on the top side, rather than the bottom side of theinsert1037.

It is understood that, in an alternate embodiment, theinserts937,1037 shown inFIGS. 18-19 can be used with theinsole member133 containing or comprising the force-sensitiveresistive element950,1050. Where theinsole133 has thelayer951 of the force-sensitiveresistive material944 located on the bottom surface thereof, rather than on the top surface of themidsole member131, theinsert937 and/or theelectrode assembly913 may need to be reconfigured or re-oriented to contact the force-sensitive material944 on the top side, rather than the bottom side of theinsert937. Theinsole133 may also have thelayer951 of the force-sensitive material944 on the top side thereof, in which case, theinsert937,1037 can be inserted on the top side as well. It is understood that if theentire insole133 comprises the force-sensitiveresistive element1050, theinsert937,1037 can be used on either the top or bottom side of theinsole133.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 20, thesole structure130 contains asensor system1112, with aninsert1137 having anelectrode assembly1113 connected thereto in the same configuration as theelectrode assembly913 described above and shown inFIG. 18. As similarly described above, theelectrode assembly1113 includes electrode pairs1141 and sensor leads1118 that are connected to theinsert1137 positioned between themidsole member131 and thefoot contacting member133, with theleads1118 terminating in aninterface1119 for connection to theport14. However, in the embodiment ofFIG. 20, the force-sensitive resistive element1150 is contained in aseparate liner1151 of the force-sensitiveresistive material1144 that is not attached to themidsole member131 or thefoot contacting member133. Theliner1151 may be entirely composed of the force-sensitiveresistive material1144, or may contain portions or areas composed of the force-sensitive material1144. Additionally, in this embodiment, theliner1151 is positioned between themidsole member131 and theinsert1137, however in another embodiment, theliner1151 may be positioned between thefoot contacting member133 and theinsert1137. It is understood that, if the position of theliner1151 is changed, theinsert1137 and/or theelectrode assembly1113 may need to be reconfigured or repositioned to contact the force-sensitive material1144 on the top side, rather than the bottom side of theinsert1137. Further, in other embodiments, theliner1151 and insert1137 can be positioned anywhere in thesole structure130, as long as the electrode pairs1141 are in contact with the force-sensitive material1144. This embodiment otherwise functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown inFIG. 18, and provides the same interchangeability of different electrode assemblies. This embodiment also provides interchangeability of the force-sensitive element1150, such as if adifferent material1144 is desired or if the force-sensitive element becomes damaged or worn out.

In another alternate embodiment, an insert member can be produced for connection to another sole member, such as afoot contacting member133 or amidsole member131. This insert member may be similar to theinserts937,1037,1137 described above and shown inFIGS. 18-20, such as having a flexible webbing material (such as a polymer) that has electrode pairs941,1041,1141 and sensor leads918,1018,1118 having ends configured for connection to theport14, as described above. This configuration enables theelectrode assembly913,1013,1113 to be mounted upon any member of thesole structure130 as desired, to create a complete sensor system. The insert member may be connectable to a sole member in many different ways, such as by adhesives, fasteners, welding, heat-sealing, or any other suitable technique. It is understood that theinsert member937,1037,1137, in one embodiment, may have no webbing material and may include only the electronic components of thesensor assembly913,1013,1113.

It is understood that the quantum tunneling composites, custom conductive foams, force transducing rubbers, and other force-sensitive resistive materials discussed herein can be utilized to create individual, self-contained sensors, similar to theFSR sensors216 described above and shown inFIG. 8, and are not limited to use in sensor assemblies having separate electrodes and force-sensitive elements. Such individual sensors may contain two electrodes and a force-sensitive resistive material, such as illustrated inFIGS. 9-10.

In an alternate embodiment, shown inFIG. 21, thesensor system1212 may include asensor assembly1213 that is connected to the upper120 of an article offootwear100, rather than thesole structure130. Any of the different types of sensors described above can be used in this embodiment, and the sensors can be connected to the upper120 in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, thesensors1216 may be FSR sensors that are woven into the material of the upper, with conductive fabrics also woven into the upper to form theleads1218. In this embodiment, themodule22 is shown contained in the sole130 of theshoe100, with theleads1218 extending from the upper120 underneath the foot-contactingmember133 to aport14 in communication with themodule22. However, it is understood that themodule22 may be located elsewhere, including attached to the upper120, in other embodiments.

The various interchangeable sole inserts described above herein can allow for custom development of sensor systems at a reasonable budget, includinginterchangeable inserts437,437A,937,1037, and1137 having sensor/electrode assemblies413,413A,913,1013, and1113, as well as interchangeablefoot contacting members133 having sensor/electrode assemblies513,713, and813. For example, FSR sensor inserts437 and437A and thefoot contacting member133 havingFSR sensor assembly513 can be custom-manufactured for various purposes by various different sources, and can be inserted in a wide variety offootwear100. As another example, inserts937,1037, and1137 andfoot contacting members133 havingelectrode assemblies713,813,913,1013, and1113 can similarly be custom-manufactured and inserted in a wide variety offootwear100. In one embodiment,footwear100 can be manufactured containing a force-sensitive resistive material, and any of thesensor assembly configurations713,813,913,1013, and1113 can be inserted into thefootwear100 to function with the force-sensitive material. As described above,separate liners1151 of the force-sensitiveresistive material1144 can also be manufactured for insertion into a wide variety of footwear, further increasing the versatility of the system. As described below, such sensor assemblies can be customized for use with specific software for theelectronic module22 and/or theexternal device110. A third party may provide such software along with a sole insert having a customized sensor assembly, as a package.

The operation and use of thesensor systems12,212,312,412,412A,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1112,1212 are described below with respect to thesensor system12 shown inFIGS. 3-5, and it is understood that the principles of operation of thesensor system12, including all embodiments and variations thereof, are applicable to the other embodiments of thesensor systems212,312,412,412A,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1112,1212 described above. In operation, thesensors16 gather data according to their function and design, and transmit the data to theport14. Theport14 then allows theelectronic module22 to interface with thesensors16 and collect the data for later use and/or processing. In one embodiment, the data is collected, stored, and transmitted in a universally readable format, so the data is able to be accessed and/or downloaded by a plurality of users, with a variety of different applications, for use in a variety of different purposes. In one example, the data is collected, stored, and transmitted in XML format.

In different embodiments, thesensor system12 may be configured to collect different types of data. In one embodiment (described above), the sensor(s)16 can collect data regarding the number, sequence, and/or frequency of compressions. For example, thesystem12 can record the number or frequency of steps, jumps, cuts, kicks, or other compressive forces incurred while wearing thefootwear100, as well as other parameters, such as contact time and flight time. Both quantitative sensors and binary on/off type sensors can gather this data. In another example, the system can record the sequence of compressive forces incurred by the footwear, which can be used for purposes such as determining foot pronation or supination, weight transfer, foot strike patterns, or other such applications. In another embodiment (also described above), the sensor(s)16 are able to quantitatively measure the compressive forces on the adjacent portions of theshoe100, and the data consequently can include quantitative compressive force and/or impact measurement. Relative differences in the forces on different portions of theshoe100 can be utilized in determining weight distribution and “center of pressure” of theshoe100. The weight distribution and/or center of pressure can be calculated independently for one or bothshoes100, or can be calculated over both shoes together, such as to find a center of pressure or center of weight distribution for a person's entire body. As described above, a relatively densely packed array of on/off binary sensors can be used to measure quantitative forces by changes detected in “puddling” activation of the sensors during moments of greater compression. In further embodiments, the sensor(s)16 may be able to measure rates of changes in compressive force, contact time, flight time or time between impacts (such as for jumping or running), and/or other temporally-dependent parameters. It is understood that, in any embodiment, thesensors16 may require a certain threshold force or impact before registering the force/impact.

As described above, the data is provided through theuniversal port14 to themodule22 in a universally readable format, so that the number of applications, users, and programs that can use the data is nearly unlimited. Thus, theport14 andmodule22 are configured and/or programmed as desired by a user, and theport14 andmodule22 receive input data from thesensor system12, which data can be used in any manner desired for different applications. In many applications, the data is further processed by themodule22 and/or theexternal device110 prior to use. In configurations where theexternal device110 further processes the data, themodule22 may transmit the data to theexternal device110. This transmitted data may be transmitted in the same universally-readable format, or may be transmitted in another format, and themodule22 may be configured to change the format of the data. Additionally, themodule22 can be configured and/or programmed to gather, utilize, and/or process data from thesensors16 for one or more specific applications. In one embodiment, themodule22 is configured for gathering, utilizing, and/or processing data for use in a plurality of applications. Examples of such uses and applications are given below. As used herein, the term “application” refers generally to a particular use, and does not necessarily refer to use in a computer program application, as that term is used in the computer arts. Nevertheless, a particular application may be embodied wholly or partially in a computer program application.

Further, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 22, themodule22 can be removed from thefootwear100 and replaced with asecond module22A configured for operating differently than thefirst module22. In the embodiment ofFIG. 22, the replacement is accomplished by lifting theinsole member133, disconnecting thefirst module22 from theport14 and removing thefirst module22 from the well135, then inserting thesecond module22A into the well135 and connecting thesecond module22A to theport14, and finally placing theinsole member133 back into position. Thesecond module22A may be programmed and/or configured differently than thefirst module22. In one embodiment, thefirst module22 may be configured for use in one or more specific applications, and thesecond module22A may be configured for use in one or more different applications. For example, thefirst module22 may be configured for use in one or more gaming applications and thesecond module22A may be configured for use in one or more athletic performance monitoring applications. Additionally, themodules22,22A may be configured for use in different applications of the same type. For example, thefirst module22 may be configured for use in one game or athletic performance monitoring application, and thesecond module22A may be configured for use in a different game or athletic performance monitoring application. As another example, themodules22,22A may be configured for different uses within the same game or performance monitoring application. In another embodiment, thefirst module22 may be configured to gather one type of data, and thesecond module22A may be configured to gather a different type of data. Examples of such types of data are described herein, including quantitative force measurement, relative force measurement (i.e.sensors16 relative to each other), weight shifting/transfer, impact sequences (such as for foot strike patterns) rate of force change, etc. In a further embodiment, thefirst module22 may be configured to utilize or process data from thesensors16 in a different manner than thesecond module22A. For example, themodules22,22A may be configured to only gather, store, and/or communicate data, or themodules22,22A may be configured to further process the data in some manner, such as organizing the data, changing the form of the data, performing calculations using the data, etc. In yet another embodiment, themodules22,22A may be configured to communicate differently, such as having different communication interfaces or being configured to communicate with differentexternal devices110. Themodules22,22A may function differently in other aspects as well, including both structural and functional aspects, such as using different power sources or including additional or different hardware components, such as additional sensors as described above (e.g. GPS, accelerometer, etc.).

One use contemplated for the data collected by thesystem12 is in measuring weight transfer, which is important for many athletic activities, such as a golf swing, a baseball/softball swing, a hockey swing (ice hockey or field hockey), a tennis swing, throwing/pitching a ball, etc. The pressure data collected by thesystem12 can give valuable feedback regarding balance and stability for use in improving technique in any applicable athletic field. It is understood that more or less expensive andcomplex sensor systems12 may be designed, based on the intended use of the data collected thereby.

The data collected by thesystem12 can be used in measurement of a variety of other athletic performance characteristics. The data can be used to measure the degree and/or speed of foot pronation/supination, foot strike patterns, balance, and other such parameters, which can be used to improve technique in running/jogging or other athletic activities. With regard to pronation/supination, analysis of the data can also be used as a predictor of pronation/supination. Speed and distance monitoring can be performed, which may include pedometer-based measurements, such as contact measurement or loft time measurement. Jump height can also be measured, such as by using contact or loft time measurement. Lateral cutting force can be measured, including differential forces applied to different parts of theshoe100 during cutting. Thesensors16 can also be positioned to measure shearing forces, such as a foot slipping laterally within theshoe100. As one example, additional sensors may be incorporated into the sides of the upper120 of theshoe100 to sense forces against the sides. As another example, a high-density array of binary sensors could detect shearing action through lateral changes in “puddling” of the activated sensors.

In another embodiment, described above, one ormore sensors1216 can additionally or alternately be incorporated into the upper120 of theshoe100. Thesensors1216 can be incorporated into the upper120 in any manner described above. For example, thesensors1216 may be woven into the material of the upper, with conductive fabrics also woven into the upper to form leads. In this configuration, additional parameters can be measured, such as kick force, such as for soccer or football, as well as number and/or frequency of “touches” in soccer.

The data, or the measurements derived therefrom, may be useful for athletic training purposes, including improving speed, power, quickness, consistency, technique, etc. Theport14,module22, and/orexternal device110 can be configured to give the user active, real-time feedback. In one example, theport14 and/ormodule22 can be placed in communication with a computer, mobile device, etc., in order to convey results in real time. In another example, one or more vibration elements may be included in theshoe100, which can give a user feedback by vibrating a portion of the shoe to help control motion, such as the features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,684, which is incorporated herein by reference and made part hereof. Additionally, the data can be used to compare athletic movements, such as comparing a movement with a user's past movements to show consistency, improvement, or the lack thereof, or comparing a user's movement with the same movement of another, such as a professional golfer's swing. Further, thesystem12 may be used to record biomechanical data for a “signature” athletic movement of an athlete. This data could be provided to others for use in duplicating or simulating the movement, such as for use in gaming applications or in a shadow application that overlays a movement over a user's similar movement.

Thesystem12 can also be configured for “all day activity” tracking, to record the various activities a user engages in over the course of a day. Thesystem12 may include a special algorithm for this purpose, such as in themodule22, theexternal device110, and/or thesensors16.

Thesystem12 may also be used for control applications, rather than data collection and processing applications. In other words, thesystem12 could be incorporated into footwear, or another article that encounters bodily contact, for use in controlling anexternal device110, such as a computer, television, video game, etc., based on movements by the user detected by thesensors16. In effect, the footwear with the incorporatedsensors16 and leads18 extending to auniversal port14 allows the footwear to act as an input system, and theelectronic module22 can be configured, programmed, and adapted to accept the input from thesensors16 and use this input data in any desired manner, e.g., as a control input for a remote system. For example, a shoe with sensor controls could be used as a control or input device for a computer, or for a program being executed by the computer, similarly to a mouse, where certain foot movements, gestures, etc. (e.g., a foot tap, double foot tap, heel tap, double heel tap, side-to-side foot movement, foot-point, foot-flex, etc.) can control a pre-designated operation on a computer (e.g., page down, page up, undo, copy, cut, paste, save, close, etc.). Software can be provided to assign foot gestures to different computer function controls for this purpose. It is contemplated that an operating system could be configured to receive and recognize control input from thesensor system12. Televisions or other external electronic devices can be controlled in this manner.Footwear100 incorporating thesystem12 can also be used in gaming applications and game programs, similarly to the Nintendo Wii controller, where specific movements can be assigned certain functions and/or can be used to produce a virtual representation of the user's motion on a display screen. As one example, center of pressure data and other weight distribution data can be used in gaming applications, which may involve virtual representations of balancing, weight shifting, and other performance activities. Thesystem12 can be used as an exclusive controller for a game or other computer system, or as a complementary controller. Examples of configurations and methods of using sensor systems for articles of footwear as controls for external devices and foot gestures for such controls are shown and described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/138,048, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Additionally, thesystem12 may be configured to communicate directly with theexternal device110 and/or with a controller for the external device. As described above,FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment for communication between theelectronic module22 and the external device. In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 23, thesystem12 can be configured for communication with anexternal gaming device110A. Theexternal gaming device110A contains similar components to the exemplaryexternal device110 shown inFIG. 6. Theexternal gaming device110A also includes at least onegame media307 containing a game program (e.g. a cartridge, CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, or other storage device), and at least one remote controller305 configured to communicate by wired and/or wireless connection through the transmitting/receivingelement108. In the embodiment shown, the controller305 complements theuser input310, however in one embodiment, the controller305 may function as the sole user input. In this embodiment, thesystem12 is provided with an accessory device303, such as a wireless transmitter/receiver with a USB plug-in, that is configured to be connected to theexternal device110 and/or the controller305 to enable communication with themodule22. In one embodiment, the accessory device303 may be configured to be connected to one or more additional controllers and/or external devices, of the same and/or different type than the controller305 and theexternal device110. It is understood that if thesystem12 includes other types of sensors described above (e.g., an accelerometer), such additional sensors can also be incorporated into controlling a game or other program on anexternal device110.

Anexternal device110, such as a computer/gaming system, can be provided with other types of software to interact with thesystem12. For example, a gaming program may be configured to alter the attributes of an in-game character based on a user's real-life activities, which can encourage exercise or greater activity by the user. In another example, a program may be configured to display an avatar of the user that acts in relation or proportion to the user activity collected by the sensing system of the shoe. In such a configuration, the avatar may appear excited, energetic, etc., if the user has been active, and the avatar may appear sleepy, lazy, etc., if the user has been inactive. Thesensor system12 could also be configured for more elaborate sensing to record data describing a “signature move” of an athlete, which could then be utilized for various purposes, such as in a gaming system or modeling system.

A single article offootwear100 containing thesensor system12 as described herein can be used alone or in combination with a second article offootwear100′ having itsown sensor system12′, such as a pair ofshoes100,100′ as illustrated inFIGS. 24-26. Thesensor system12′ of thesecond shoe100′ generally contains one ormore sensors16′ connected by sensor leads18′ to aport14′ in communication with anelectronic module22′. Thesecond sensor system12′ of thesecond shoe100′ shown inFIGS. 24-26 has the same configuration as thesensor system12 of thefirst shoe100. However, in another embodiment, theshoes100,100′ may havesensor systems12,12′ having different configurations. The twoshoes100,100′ are both configured for communication with theexternal device110, and in the embodiment illustrated, each of theshoes100,100′ has anelectronic module22,22′ configured for communication with theexternal device110. In another embodiment, bothshoes100,100′ may haveports14,14′ configured for communication with the sameelectronic module22. In this embodiment, at least oneshoe100,100′ may be configured for wireless communication with themodule22.FIGS. 24-26 illustrate various modes for communication between themodules22,22′

FIG. 24 illustrates a “mesh” communication mode, where themodules22,22′ are configured for communicating with each other, and are also configured for independent communication with theexternal device110.FIG. 25 illustrates a “daisy chain” communication mode, where onemodule22′ communicates with theexternal device110 through theother module22. In other words, thesecond module22′ is configured to communicate signals (which may include data) to thefirst module22, and thefirst module22 is configured to communicate signals from bothmodules22,22′ to theexternal device110. Likewise, the external device communicates with thesecond module22′ through thefirst module22, by sending signals to thefirst module22, which communicates the signals to thesecond module22′. In one embodiment, themodules22,22′ can also communicate with each other for purposes other than transmitting signals to and from theexternal device110.FIG. 26 illustrates an “independent” communication mode, where eachmodule22,22′ is configured for independent communication with theexternal device110, and themodules22,22′ are not configured for communication with each other. In other embodiments, thesensor systems12,12′ may be configured for communication with each other and/or with theexternal device110 in another manner.

Still other uses and applications of the data collected by thesystem12 are contemplated within the scope of the invention and are recognizable to those skilled in the art.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, various aspects described herein may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, or a computer program product. Accordingly, those aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, such aspects may take the form of a computer program product stored by one or more tangible computer-readable storage media or storage devices having computer-readable program code, or instructions, embodied in or on the storage media. Any suitable tangible computer readable storage media may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or any combination thereof. In addition, various intangible signals representing data or events as described herein may be transferred between a source and a destination in the form of electromagnetic waves traveling through signal-conducting media such as metal wires, optical fibers, and/or wireless transmission media (e.g., air and/or space).

As described above, aspects of the present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer and/or a processor thereof. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Such a program module may be contained in a tangible computer-readable medium, as described above. Aspects of the present invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. Program modules may be located in a memory, such as thememory204 of themodule22 ormemory304 of theexternal device110, or an external medium, such asgame media307, which may include both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. It is understood that themodule22, theexternal device110, and/or external media may include complementary program modules for use together, such as in a particular application. It is also understood that asingle processor202,302 andsingle memory204,304 are shown and described in themodule22 and theexternal device110 for sake of simplicity, and that theprocessor202,302 andmemory204,304 may include a plurality of processors and/or memories respectively, and may comprise a system of processors and/or memories.

The various embodiments of the sensor system described herein, as well as the articles of footwear, foot contacting members, inserts, and other structures incorporating the sensor system, provide benefits and advantages over existing technology. For example, many of the sensor embodiments described herein provide relatively low cost and durable options for sensor systems, so that a sensor system can be incorporated into articles of footwear with little added cost and good reliability. As a result, footwear can be manufactured with integral sensor systems regardless of whether the sensor systems are ultimately desired to be used by the consumer, without appreciably affecting price. Additionally, sole inserts with customized sensor systems can be inexpensively manufactured and distributed along with software designed to utilize the sensor systems, without appreciably affecting the cost of the software. As another example, the sensor system provides a wide range of functionality for a wide variety of applications, including gaming, fitness, athletic training and improvement, practical controls for computers and other devices, and many others described herein and recognizable to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, third-party software developers can develop software configured to run using input from the sensor systems, including games and other programs. The ability of the sensor system to provide data in a universally readable format greatly expands the range of third party software and other applications for which the sensor system can be used. As a further example, the various sole inserts containing sensor systems, including liners, insoles, and other elements, permit interchangeability and customization of the sensor system for different applications.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Further, “Providing” an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers broadly to making the article available or accessible for future actions to be performed on the article, and does not connote that the party providing the article has manufactured, produced, or supplied the article or that the party providing the article has ownership or control of the article. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims (22)

What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:

a first electronic module configured for communication with an external device;

a first article of footwear comprising a first upper member and a first sole structure engaged with the first upper member, wherein the first upper member and the first sole structure combine to at least partially define a first foot-receiving chamber, the first sole structure including a first foot contacting member partially defining the first foot receiving chamber;

a first insert engaged with the first sole structure and positioned below the first foot contacting member, the first insert comprising:

a first insert member at least partially formed of a foam material;

a plurality of first force sensors connected to the first insert member and configured to sense a force exerted on the first insert by a foot of a user, wherein the first force sensors include a first phalange sensor, a first metatarsal sensor, a fifth metatarsal sensor, and a heel sensor;

a first port configured for removable connection to the first electronic module; and

a plurality of first leads connected to the first insert member, the first leads extending from the first force sensors to the first port, such that the first port is configured to enable communication between the first force sensors and the first electronic module through the first leads when the first electronic module is connected to the first port;

a second electronic module configured for communication with the external device;

a second article of footwear comprising a second upper member and a second sole structure engaged with the second upper member, wherein the second upper member and the second sole structure combine to at least partially define a second foot-receiving chamber, the second sole structure including a second foot contacting member partially defining the second foot receiving chamber; and

a second insert engaged with the second sole structure and positioned below the second foot contacting member, the second insert comprising:

a second insert member at least partially formed of a foam material;

a plurality of second force sensors connected to the second insert member and configured to sense a force exerted on the second insert by a foot of a user, wherein the second force sensors include a first phalange sensor, a first metatarsal sensor, a fifth metatarsal sensor, and a heel sensor;

a second port configured for removable connection to the second electronic module; and

a plurality of second leads connected to the second insert member, the second leads extending from the second force sensors to the second port, such that the second port is configured to enable communication between the second force sensors and the second electronic module through the second leads when the second electronic module is connected to the second port,

wherein the first electronic module is configured to collect first force data from the first force sensors, and the second electronic module is configured to collect second force data from the second force sensors, and wherein the first and second electronic modules are further configured to transmit the first and second force data to the external device to enable further processing of the first and second force data by the external device.

2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising the external device, wherein the external device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the external device is configured for receiving the first and second force data, storing the first and second force data in the memory, and further processing the first and second force data.

3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the first and second electronic modules are configured for transmitting the first and second force data to the external device in real time, and wherein the external device further comprises a display and is configured for displaying feedback to the user based on the first and second force data in real time.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first port is located outside of the first insert member, and the second port is located outside of the second insert member.

5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the first port is located within the first sole structure beneath the first foot contacting member, and the second port is located within the second sole structure beneath the second foot contacting member.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second leads comprise wire leads.

7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first leads have terminal ends that converge to a first location to form a first consolidated interface, wherein the first consolidated interface is located at the first port, such that the first port is configured to enable communication between the first force sensors and the first electronic module through the first leads and the first consolidated interface when the first electronic module is connected to the first port, and wherein the second leads have terminal ends that converge to a second location to form a second consolidated interface, wherein the second consolidated interface is located at the second port, such that the second port is configured to enable communication between the second force sensors and the second electronic module through the second leads and the second consolidated interface when the second electronic module is connected to the second port.

8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first leads further comprise a first power lead extending from the first port and connected to all of the first force sensors, and wherein the first power lead is configured for providing electrical power from the first electronic module to all of the first force sensors when the first electronic module is connected to the first port, and wherein the second leads further comprise a second power lead extending from the second port and connected to all of the second force sensors, and wherein the second power lead is configured for providing electrical power from the second electronic module to all of the second force sensors when the second electronic module is connected to the second port.

9. A system comprising:

a first insert configured to be engaged with a first sole structure of a first article of footwear, the first insert comprising:

a first insert member at least partially formed of a foam material;

a plurality of first force sensors connected to the first insert member and configured to sense a force exerted on the first insert by a foot of a user, wherein the first force sensors include a first phalange sensor, a first metatarsal sensor, a fifth metatarsal sensor, and a heel sensor;

a plurality of first leads connected to the first insert member, the first leads extending from the first force sensors and having terminal ends that converge to a first location to form a first consolidated interface; and

a first port configured for removable connection to a first electronic module, wherein the first consolidated interface is located at the first port, such that the first port is configured to enable communication between the first force sensors and the first electronic module through the first leads and the first consolidated interface when the first electronic module is connected to the first port; and

a second insert configured to be engaged with a second sole structure of a second article of footwear, the second insert comprising:

a second insert member at least partially formed of a foam material;

a plurality of second force sensors connected to the second insert member and configured to sense a force exerted on the second insert by a foot of a user, wherein the second force sensors include a first phalange sensor, a first metatarsal sensor, a fifth metatarsal sensor, and a heel sensor;

a plurality of second leads connected to the second insert member, the second leads extending from the second force sensors and having terminal ends that converge to a second location to form a second consolidated interface; and

a second port configured for removable connection to a second electronic module, wherein the second consolidated interface is located at the second port, such that the second port is configured to enable communication between the second force sensors and the second electronic module through the second leads and the second consolidated interface when the second electronic module is connected to the second port.

10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the first port is located outside of the first insert member, and the second port is located outside of the second insert member.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the first port is located below the first insert member, and the second port is located below the second insert member.

12. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the first and second leads comprise wire leads.

13. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the first leads further comprise a first power lead extending from the first port and connected to all of the first force sensors, and wherein the first power lead is configured for providing electrical power from the first electronic module to all of the first force sensors when the first electronic module is connected to the first port, and wherein the second leads further comprise a second power lead extending from the second port and connected to all of the second force sensors, and wherein the second power lead is configured for providing electrical power from the second electronic module to all of the second force sensors when the second electronic module is connected to the second port.

14. The system ofclaim 9, further comprising the first electronic module and the second electronic module, wherein the first electronic module is configured to collect first force data from the first force sensors, and the second electronic module is configured to collect second force data from the second force sensors, and wherein the first and second electronic modules are configured for communication with an external device, and the first and second electronic modules are further configured to transmit the first and second force data to the external device to enable further processing of the first and second force data by the external device.

15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the first and second electronic modules are configured for transmitting the first and second force data to the external device in real time.

16. A system comprising:

a first insert configured to be engaged with a first sole structure of a first article of footwear, the first insert comprising:

a first insert member at least partially formed of a foam material;

a plurality of first force sensors connected to the first insert member and configured to sense a force exerted on the first insert by a foot of a user, wherein the first force sensors include a first phalange sensor, a first metatarsal sensor, a fifth metatarsal sensor, and a heel sensor;

a first port configured for removable connection to a first electronic module; and

a plurality of first leads connected to the first insert member, the first leads extending from the first force sensors to the first port, such that the first port is configured to enable communication between the first force sensors and the first electronic module through the first leads when the first electronic module is connected to the first port, wherein the first leads further comprise a first power lead extending from the first port and connected to all of the first force sensors, and wherein the first power lead is configured for providing electrical power from the first electronic module to all of the first force sensors when the first electronic module is connected to the first port;

a second insert configured to be engaged with a second sole structure of a second article of footwear, the second insert comprising:

a second insert member at least partially formed of a foam material;

a plurality of second force sensors connected to the second insert member and configured to sense a force exerted on the second insert by a foot of a user, wherein the second force sensors include a first phalange sensor, a first metatarsal sensor, a fifth metatarsal sensor, and a heel sensor;

a second port configured for removable connection to a second electronic module; and

a plurality of second leads connected to the second insert member, the second leads extending from the second force sensors to the second port, such that the second port is configured to enable communication between the second force sensors and the second electronic module through the second leads when the second electronic module is connected to the second port, wherein the second leads further comprise a second power lead extending from the second port and connected to all of the second force sensors, and wherein the second power lead is configured for providing electrical power from the second electronic module to all of the second force sensors when the second electronic module is connected to the second port.

17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the first port is located outside of the first insert member, and the second port is located outside of the second insert member.

18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the first port is located below the first insert member, and the second port is located below the second insert member.

19. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the first and second leads comprise wire leads.

20. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the first leads have terminal ends that converge to a first location to form a first consolidated interface, wherein the first consolidated interface is located at the first port, such that the first port is configured to enable communication between the first force sensors and the first electronic module through the first leads and the first consolidated interface when the first electronic module is connected to the first port, and wherein the second leads have terminal ends that converge to a second location to form a second consolidated interface, wherein the second consolidated interface is located at the second port, such that the second port is configured to enable communication between the second force sensors and the second electronic module through the second leads and the second consolidated interface when the second electronic module is connected to the second port.

21. The system ofclaim 16, further comprising the first electronic module and the second electronic module, wherein the first electronic module is configured to collect first force data from the first force sensors, and the second electronic module is configured to collect second force data from the second force sensors, and wherein the first and second electronic modules are configured for communication with an external device, and the first and second electronic modules are further configured to transmit the first and second force data to the external device to enable further processing of the first and second force data by the external device.

22. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the first and second electronic modules are configured for transmitting the first and second force data to the external device in real time.

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